Rita, the epilogue

Yesterday and today were spent deconstructing our hurricane preparations, letting friends and relatives know that we came through just fine, and just recovering physically and emotionally. Having a hurricane approach you is a bit like watching a train wreck come your way in extreme slow motion. It takes days, the new coverage is constant, and you're on an emotional roller-coaster. First, there's the search for supplies, then the worry about what might happen, the constant nerves about what is coming as the storm approaches. Also, there's the work to get everything prepared, so your mind is constantly working. When you feel you can't get any more prepared, then there is the waiting, and the news . In our case, when the storm ws over, there was also the relief that the storm was not worse in our area.

Cleanup continues, the kids are still off from school, and people are still returning to the city. We ventured out to a Whataburger last night and the drive through line went all the way aroung the building! They were only doing a limited menu as well - but we were tired of eating canned goods, so we waited in the line and were happy to get some french fries. As problematic as the evacuation was, nearly 3 million people did leave the area in a very short amount of time (Houston is the fourth largest city in the US). Lessons were learned, so hopefully, the next time will be smoother. We certainly learned a few things ourselves (like buy water early - and get extra gas containers when we can).